Apparatus and method for providing downlighting and wall-washing lighting effects

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a lighting fixture ( 200 ) with a separately controllable set of LED-based light sources ( 102 ) configurable to create both downlighting and wall-washing lighting effects. To create the desired wall-washing effects, the intensity and angle of light sources in the lighting fixture are adjusted to individually illuminate different portions of the wall of surface. One set of LED-based light sources positioned along the edge of the ceiling tile is configured to emit a low intensity light beam toward the upper portion of the wall surface adjacent the ceiling. Another set of LED-based light sources emits a higher intensity light beam toward an intermediate portion of the wall surface. Another set of LED-based light sources emits an even higher intensity light beam toward the bottom portion of the wall surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed generally to indoor lighting. Moreparticularly, the various inventive methods and apparatus disclosedherein relate to lighting fixtures providing wall-washing lightingeffects through the use of lighting panels, e.g. ceiling-mounted tiles,equipped with LED-based lighting units.

BACKGROUND

Many people live and work in relatively compact spaces due to thepopulation density that comes with urbanization and population growth.Fortunately, small and compact spaces can be made to appear morepleasant and spacious by the appropriate use of lighting technology.Well-illuminated walls and ceilings are perceived as being morepleasant, creating more spacious environments, and they are known topositively affect mood and subjective performance. Wall-washing lightingeffects, in particular, are perceived as visually comforting such that aspace that has brightly illuminated walls is more likely to obtain ahigh lighting quality appraisal than one that does not havewall-washing. Thus, the lighting quality of a space can play a key rolein a person's overall satisfaction with that space.

The comfort and productivity in office environments can also beincreased by introducing an appropriate balance between the office'sambient light and its functional light levels. For example, thefunctional light level on a work surface (e.g., a desk) can be decreasedif the ambient light used for wall-washing or downlighting is set at asufficient intensity level. In other words, when the ambient lightlevels are relatively high, the space is brighter, and people are lesslikely to use desk lamps or other such functional lighting elements.

Digital lighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductorlight sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer a viablealternative to traditional fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps.Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include high energyconversion and optical efficiency, durability, lower operating costs,and many others. Recent advances in LED technology have providedefficient and robust full-spectrum lighting sources that enable avariety of lighting effects in many applications. Some of the fixturesembodying these sources feature a lighting module, including one or moreLEDs capable of producing different colors, e.g. red, green, and blue,as well as a processor for independently controlling the output of theLEDs in order to generate a variety of colors and color-changinglighting effects.

Lighting panels, e.g. ceiling tiles, can be equipped with LED lightingelements for downlighting. While conventional ceiling tiles of this typecan be used to illuminate some of the wall surface, most of the lightdistribution is typically aimed downwardly toward the (horizontal) floorsurface such that the ceiling/wall interface is unevenly illuminated.However, when lighting is directly aimed at a wall surface, the lightsoften produce reflected hotspots and an annoying glare. If the owner ofthe space has the means, conventional (and upscale) wall-washing systemscan be installed to create a more pleasant atmosphere. The lightdistribution is controlled by using separate luminaries that requireadvanced control infrastructures. As a result, conventional wall-washingsystems are expensive to make, require additional space, and are alsoexpensive to install. Accordingly, there are scant downlighting andwall-washing lighting systems currently available that provide thetypical user with an effective downlighting and wall-washing solution ata reasonable budget.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive and energy-efficientlighting solution that evenly illuminates the wall and the ceiling.There is also a need in the art for an inexpensive wall-washing solutionthat evenly and uniformly illuminates the entire surface of a verticalwall without glare or reflected hotspots.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and apparatusesfor combined downlighting and wall-washing. For example, LED-basedlighting units according to various embodiments of the presentinvention, which can be incorporated directly into a ceiling tile,provides an inexpensive overhead lighting solution that evenly anduniformly illuminates the entire surface of a wall or vertical surfacewithout glare or reflected hotspots. Briefly stated, the inventionyields these benefits by providing at least two separately controllablesets of LED-based lighting units that individually illuminate differentportions of the wall to thus provide an overall uniform lightingdistribution over the entire wall surface.

For example, in some embodiments, one set of LED elements is positionedalong the edge of the ceiling tile and is configured to emit a lowintensity light beam having a relatively wide beam width toward an upperportion of the wall surface adjacent the ceiling. A second set of LEDsemits a higher intensity light beam having a narrower beam width towarda bottom portion of the wall surface. In other embodiments, a second setof LEDs emitting a higher intensity light beam and having a narrowerbeam width toward an intermediate portion of the wall surface, and thena third set of LEDs emitting a relatively higher intensity light beamhaving a relatively narrow beam width toward the bottom portion of thewall surface. Additional sets of LEDs having optimal light intensity andbeam angle and direction can also be provided to achieve uniformillumination of the wall surface.

Accordingly, when illuminated by separately controllable sets ofLED-based lighting units taken together, the entire wall surface isbathed in a substantially uniform light that is pleasing and comfortingto the eye. Finally, the ceiling tile lighting fixture is furtherequipped with a set of downwardly directed LEDs that are alsoindividually controllable such that both the wall and ceiling are evenlyilluminated.

Generally, in one aspect, the invention relates to a lighting fixturethat is located in close proximity to a vertical surface and includes aplurality of lighting units, including at least one first lighting unithaving a first plurality of LED-based light sources configured to emit alow-intensity light beam oriented toward a first portion of the verticalsurface, at least one second lighting unit having a second plurality ofLED-based light sources configured to emit a high-intensity light beamoriented toward a second portion of the vertical surface, at least onelighting unit having a third plurality of LED-based light sourcesconfigured to emit a light beam oriented toward a horizontal surface;and a controller connected to the lighting units to control theintensity of light emitted from the light sources.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture further includes at least onefourth lighting unit having a third plurality of light sourcesconfigured to emit an intermediate-intensity light beam oriented towarda third portion of the vertical surface, wherein the first portion is anupper portion of the vertical surface, the second portion is a lowerportion of the vertical surface, and the third portion is anintermediate portion of the vertical surface.

In some embodiments, the orientation of each of the light beams isadjustable.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture further includes a sensor toobtain data about the vertical surface, where the controller controlsthe intensity or orientation of light emitted from the first, second,and/or third plurality of light sources based at least in part on thedata obtained from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the number of third lighting units configured toemit a light beam oriented toward the horizontal surface, and the numberof first and second lighting units configured to emit a light beamoriented toward the horizontal surface within the plurality of lightingunits, is adjustable based on positioning of the lighting fixturerelative to the vertical surface.

In some embodiments, a ratio of the number of third lighting unitsconfigured to emit a light beam oriented toward the horizontal surfaceand the number of first and second lighting units configured to emit alight beam oriented toward the horizontal surface comprise a firstratio, is adjustable based on positioning of the lighting fixturerelative to the vertical surface.

Generally, in one aspect, the invention relates to a ceiling-mountedlighting fixture that includes a plurality of lighting units eachcomprising a plurality of LED-based light sources, where a first subsetof the lighting units are configured to emit a light beam orientedtoward a vertical surface, and a second subset of the lighting units areconfigured to emit a light beam oriented toward a horizontal surface,and where at least some of the lighting units are configured to beadjustable to emit a light beam oriented toward either the verticalsurface or the horizontal surface. The lighting fixture also includes acontroller connected to the lighting units to control the intensity oflight emitted from LED-based light sources, to control the orientationof the light beam emitted by each of the adjustable lighting units.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the light beam emitted by eachof the adjustable lighting units is based at least in part onpositioning of the lighting fixture relative to the vertical surface.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture also includes a sensor thatobtains data about the vertical surface and the orientation of the lightbeam emitted by each of the adjustable lighting units is adjusted basedat least in part on the obtained data.

Generally, in one aspect, the invention relates to a lighting fixturelocated in close proximity to a vertical surface and includes aplurality of lighting units each having a plurality of light sourcesemitting a light beam having an adjustable orientation, where a firstsubset of the lighting units emit a light beam oriented toward an upperportion of the vertical surface, a second subset of the lighting unitsemit a light beam oriented toward an intermediate portion of thevertical surface, a third subset of the lighting units emit a light beamoriented toward a lower portion of the vertical surface, and a fourthsubset of the lighting units emit a light beam oriented toward ahorizontal surface. The lighting fixture also includes a controllerconnected to the lighting units to control the intensity of lightemitted from the light sources, and to control the orientation of eachof the light sources.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the light beam emitted by one ormore of the lighting units, and/or the number of lighting units withinthe first subset, second subset, third subset, and fourth subset, isbased at least in part on positioning of the lighting fixture relativeto the vertical surface.

Generally, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method forproviding wall-washing lighting effects. The method includes the stepsof providing a lighting fixture having a plurality of lighting unitseach having a plurality of LED-based light sources, where a first subsetof the lighting units emit a light beam oriented toward a verticalsurface, and a second subset of the lighting units emit a light beamoriented toward a horizontal surface, and where at least some of thelighting units are adjustable to emit a light beam oriented towardeither the vertical surface or the horizontal surface, and a controllerconnected to the lighting units to control the orientation of the lightbeam emitted by each of the adjustable lighting units based at least inpart on a position of the lighting fixture relative to the verticalsurface. The method also includes the steps of receiving informationindicating the position of the lighting fixture relative to the verticalsurface, and adjusting the orientation of the light beam emitted by oneor more of the adjustable lighting units based on the receivedinformation.

In some embodiments, the method also includes the step of adjusting theintensity of the light beam emitted by one or more of the adjustablelighting units based on the received information.

As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED”should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or othertype of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable ofgenerating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the termLED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-basedstructures that emit light in response to current, light emittingpolymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescentstrips, and the like. In particular, the term LED refers to lightemitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic lightemitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one ormore of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and variousportions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiationwavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to,various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs,green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs(discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs maybe configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having variousbandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a givenspectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety ofdominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generateessentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dieswhich respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that,in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In anotherimplementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphormaterial that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to adifferent second spectrum. In one example of this implementation,electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrowbandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiateslonger wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.

It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit thephysical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, asdiscussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting devicehaving multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit differentspectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individuallycontrollable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that isconsidered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of whiteLEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packagedLEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs,radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type ofencasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or moreof a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to,LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above),incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescentsources, phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g.,sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, othertypes of electroluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers.

A given light source may be configured to generate electromagneticradiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, ora combination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are usedinterchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as anintegral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, orother optical components. Also, it should be understood that lightsources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, butnot limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An“illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configuredto generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectivelyilluminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, “sufficientintensity” refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrumgenerated in the space or environment (the unit “lumens” often isemployed to represent the total light output from a light source in alldirections, in terms of radiant power or “luminous flux”) to provideambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly andthat may be, for example, reflected off of one or more of a variety ofintervening surfaces before being perceived in whole or in part).

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is usedinterchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color”generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that isperceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limitthe scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors”implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelengthcomponents and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that theterm “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-whitelight.

The term “lighting fixture” is used herein to refer to an implementationor arrangement of one or more lighting units in a particular formfactor, assembly, or package. The term “lighting unit” is used herein torefer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same ordifferent types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety ofmounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housingarrangements and shapes, and/or electrical and mechanical connectionconfigurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit optionally may beassociated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged togetherwith) various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to theoperation of the light source(s). An “LED-based lighting unit” refers toa lighting unit that includes one or more LED-based light sources asdiscussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based lightsources. A “multi-channel” lighting unit refers to an LED-based or nonLED-based lighting unit that includes at least two light sourcesconfigured to respectively generate different spectrums of radiation,wherein each different source spectrum may be referred to as a “channel”of the multi-channel lighting unit.

The term “controller” is used herein generally to describe variousapparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. Acontroller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g., such as withdedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A“processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or moremicroprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode)to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may beimplemented with or without employing a processor, and also may beimplemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform somefunctions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessorsand associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples ofcontroller components that may be employed in various embodiments of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventionalmicroprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), andfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associatedwith one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as“memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM,PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks,magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may beencoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or moreprocessors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functionsdiscussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processoror controller or may be transportable, such that the one or moreprograms stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller soas to implement various aspects of the present invention discussedherein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in ageneric sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software ormicrocode) that can be employed to program one or more processors orcontrollers.

The term “addressable” is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., alight source in general, a lighting unit or fixture, a controller orprocessor associated with one or more light sources or lighting units,other non-lighting related devices, etc.) that is configured to receiveinformation (e.g., data) intended for multiple devices, includingitself, and to selectively respond to particular information intendedfor it. The term “addressable” often is used in connection with anetworked environment (or a “network,” discussed further below), inwhich multiple devices are coupled together via some communicationsmedium or media.

In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a networkmay serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to thenetwork (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In anotherimplementation, a networked environment may include one or morededicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of thedevices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled tothe network each may have access to data that is present on thecommunications medium or media; however, a given device may be“addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with(i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based,for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., “addresses”)assigned to it.

The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of twoor more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitatesthe transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage,data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or amongmultiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readilyappreciated, various implementations of networks suitable forinterconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of networktopologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols.Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure,any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicatedconnection between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicatedconnection. In addition to carrying information intended for the twodevices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information notnecessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g., an opennetwork connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated thatvarious networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or morewireless, wire/cable, and/or fiber optic links to facilitate informationtransport throughout the network.

The term “user interface” as used herein refers to an interface betweena human user or operator and one or more devices that enablescommunication between the user and the device(s). Examples of userinterfaces that may be employed in various implementations of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches,potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, a mouse, keyboard, keypad,various types of game controllers (e.g., joysticks), track balls,display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIs),touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receivesome form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in responsethereto.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a lighting unit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a lighting fixture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a lighting fixture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a network of lighting fixturesin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a network of lighting units inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a plot of radiation intensityand distribution from a lighting fixture in accordance with anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for selectively illuminating avertical surface using a lighting fixture in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In lighting systems, it is desirable to have an appropriate balancebetween the functional light level and the ambient light level. Forexample, it may be desirable to have well-illuminated walls andceilings, which are perceived as being more pleasant, more spacious, andare known to positively affect mood, well-being, and performance. Forexample, wall-washing lighting effects are particularly perceived asvisually comforting, with a space possessing brightly illuminated wallsbeing more likely to obtain a high lighting quality appraisal than onethat does not have wall-washing. It may be desirable, therefore, toinstall and utilize a lighting system with wall-washing lighting effectsin addition to traditional or functional lighting effects.

Some lighting systems produce wall-washing lighting effects, buttypically require separate lighting fixtures for both downlightingeffects and wall-washing lighting effects. Such lighting systems presentone or more drawbacks such as higher costs of manufacture and higherinstallation costs. Additional drawbacks of such lighting systems may bepresented. For example, by requiring separate lighting fixtures for bothdownlighting effects and wall-washing lighting effects, these lightingsystems take up additional space.

Thus, Applicants have recognized and appreciated a need in the art toprovide methods and apparatus that provide a single lighting fixture forboth downlighting and/or ambient illumination and wall-washing lightingeffects, thus reducing manufacturing and installation costs, as well asreducing the amount of space required to install the lighting system,and that optionally overcome one or more drawbacks of existing apparatusand/or methods.

In view of the foregoing, various embodiments and implementations of thepresent invention are directed to a ceiling-mounted lighting tile orpanel fixture with LED-based lighting units adapted to provide bothwall-washing and downlighting effects.

In the following detailed description representative embodimentsdisclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art having had the benefit of the presentdisclosure that other embodiments according to the present teachingsthat depart from the specific details disclosed herein are within thescope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-knownapparatus and methods may be omitted but are clearly within the scope ofthe claimed invention. As an example, aspects of the methods andapparatus disclosed herein are described with a lighting system havingonly LED-based light sources. However, one or more aspects of themethods and apparatus described herein may be implemented in otherlighting systems that additionally and/or alternatively include othernon-LED light sources. Implementation of the one or more aspectsdescribed herein in alternatively configured environments iscontemplated without deviating from the scope or spirit of the claimedinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment is a lighting unit 100suitable for use in the lighting systems described herein. In variousembodiments, the lighting unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be utilized aloneor together with other similar lighting units in a system of lightingunits, including as discussed further below in connection with FIG. 2.

The lighting unit 100 includes one or more light sources 102A, 102B,102C, and 102D (collectively light source 102), where one or more of thelight sources may be an LED-based light source that includes one or moreLEDs. Any of the light sources may be adapted to generate radiation ofdifferent colors (e.g. red, green, blue). Although FIG. 1 illustrates alighting unit with four LED-based light sources 102A, 102B, 102C, and102D (collectively light source 102), many different numbers and varioustypes of light sources (all LED-based and non-LED-based light sourcesalone or in combination, etc.) adapted to generate radiation of avariety of different colors may be employed in the lighting unit 100.

In some embodiments of the lighting unit 100, one or more of the lightsources 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D shown in FIG. 1 may include a groupof multiple LEDs or other types of light sources that are controlledtogether. Additionally, it should be appreciated that one or more of thelight sources may include one or more LEDs that are adapted to generateradiation having any of a variety of wavelengths, including, but notlimited to various visible colors, various color temperatures of whitelight, ultraviolet, or infrared. LEDs having a variety of spectralbandwidths may be employed in various embodiments of the lighting unit.

The lighting unit 100 also includes a source of power 114, mosttypically AC power, although other power sources are possible includingDC power sources, solar-based power sources, or mechanical-based powersources, among others. The power source may be in operable communicationwith a power source converter that converts power received from anexternal power source to a form that is usable by the lighting unit.

The lighting unit 100 may also include a controller 108 that isconfigured or programmed to output one or more signals to drive thelight sources and generate varying intensities of light from the lightsources. For example, controller 108 may be programmed or configured togenerate a control signal for each light source to independently controlthe intensity of light generated by each light source, to control groupsof light sources, or to control all light sources together. According toanother aspect, the controller 108 may control other dedicatedcircuitry, such as light source driver 106, which in turn controls thelight sources so as to vary their intensities. The controller 108 canbe, for example, a microprocessor 110 programmed using software toperform various functions discussed herein, and can be utilized incombination with a memory 112. The memory can store data, including oneor more lighting commands or software programs for execution by themicroprocessor 110, as well as various types of data including but notlimited to specific identifiers for that lighting unit.

In some embodiments, the controller 108 is coupled to and providescommands to the light source driver 106, and the light source driver 106powers the light sources 102 based on these received commands. As oneexample, the controller 108 can provide control commands to the lightsource driver 106 to power one or more of the light sources 102 at 25%light output, and the light source driver 106 can then adjust the powerprovided to the light sources 102 in order to achieve 25% light output.The controller 108 and light source driver 106 may be separate butcoupled components, or may be a combined component. For example,controller 108 may be included in light source driver 106.

In some embodiments, the controller 108 may provide lighting controlcommands to light source driver 106 based on the time of day, userinput, or other preprogrammed options or timing. For example, in someembodiments a scene selection may be automatically or manually received(e.g., from a user via a user interface, or from a time) requestinglighting unit 100 to provide a particular light output in accordancewith the desired scene. For example, the user may desire a “daytime”scene, and the controller 108 will providing lighting control commandsto direct light source driver 106 to power the light sources 102 at a“daytime” level (e.g., a full output level). As another example, a timeror clock module may send input that triggers lighting unit 100 toprovide a “nighttime” scene. Upon receiving the input, the controller108 will providing lighting control commands to direct light sourcedriver 106 to power the light sources 102 at a “nighttime” level (e.g.,50% output level).

The lighting unit 100 can also include a sensor 116 adapted to detect awall within a certain proximity and direction. Accordingly, sensor 116can be a variety of different types of sensors, including opticalsensors and ambient light sensors. The lighting unit 100 is coupled tosensor 116 via a local connection and receives sensor values from thesensor 116. In some embodiments the sensor 116 may be mounted on thelighting unit 100 or integrated with the lighting unit 100. In someembodiments. the connection between the sensor 116 and the lighting unit100 is a wired connection. In some embodiments, the connection betweenthe sensor 116 and the lighting unit 100 is a wireless connection. Insome embodiments the sensor 116 is positioned so as to provide sensorvalues that are relevant to the area illuminated by lighting unit 100.

In some embodiments, the controller 108 may provide lighting controlcommands based on input or data received from one or more sensors 116.For example, in some embodiments, the lighting unit 100 may be coupledto an occupancy sensor and may provide lighting control commands tolight source driver 106 in response to the detection, or absence ofdetection, of occupants in the room. In some embodiments, the lightingunit 100 may be coupled to an ambient light level sensor to detect thelevels of ambient light in the room, in which case the lighting unit 100may provide lighting control commands to light source driver 106requesting light sources 102 to operate at a certain level based on thesensed light levels. In some embodiments, the controller 108 may providelighting control commands based on data from a timer or clock module.

In some embodiments, the lighting unit 100 includes one or more userinterfaces 120 which allow a user to control a variety of lightingcharacteristics, including ON/OFF, color, intensity, angle, settingparticular identifiers for the lighting unit, and many othercharacteristics. Communication between the user interface and thelighting unit may be accomplished through wired or wirelesstransmission. Manual control may be effected by the user viaswitch/control inputs disposed on the lighting unit itself. For example,user interface 120 can be a power switch (e.g., a standard wall switch)that interrupts power to the controller 108. Lighting unit 100 may beconfigured to include simple dipswitches, electronic switch buttons, ortouch inputs. Dipswitches and electronic switch buttons can provideON/OFF capabilities, or can also be configured to allow the user toadjust the intensity of the light provided by a single light source, agroup of light sources, or all light sources. Alternatively, auser-operated commissioning device with user interaction means (e.g. asmartphone, tablet, or other portable or remote computing device) may beused to commission the lighting unit. For example, NFC (Near-FieldCommunication) is employed in one embodiment of the invention toestablish a communications channel between the lighting unit and theremote computing device.

Although the user input may directly control one or more of the lightsources, including by immediate control over power to one or morecomponents of lighting unit 100, controller 105 may be configured orprogrammed to respond to the user input by activating a preprogrammedresponse, including executing a stored software program or utilizing theuser input together with one or more other data inputs to choose whichresponse to engage. In some embodiments, the controller 108 may beprogrammed or configured to monitor user interface 120 and respond touser input by, for example, selecting one or more pre-programmed controlsignals stored in memory, selecting and executing a new lighting programfrom memory, or otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one ormore of the light sources 102.

In some embodiments, lighting unit 100 can utilize user input from userinterface 120 in conjunction with data received from one or more sensors116 to provide lighting control commands to light source driver 106, toselect and execute a new lighting program from memory, or otherwiseaffecting the radiation generated by one or more of the light sources102. For example, lighting unit 100 may be configured to monitor userinterface 120 for user input, and to monitor sensor 116 for sensor data.Controller 108 of lighting unit 100 can utilize the user input incombination with the sensor data to control one or more of the lightsources 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D in a manner similar to that discussedabove.

In some embodiments, in order to communicate with neighboring lightingunits, one or more of the lighting units 100 can include a communicationport 118. The communication port 118 and communication medium can be anyof a variety of wired or wireless formats, including a wired data bus,wireless RF communication, or light enabled communication such as codedvisible or IR light, among other methods. Communication between adjacentlighting units allows for cooperative applications that are discussed ingreater detail below. For example, communication port 118 may allow forthe coupling of multiple lighting units together to form a networkedlighting system. Further applications are possible in which one or moreof the coupled lighting units are addressable. According to thisembodiment, controller 105 may be configured or programmed to respond todata that is specifically addressed to that particular lighting unit100.

For both functional and aesthetic reasons, the lighting unit 100 may becompletely or partially housed within or integrated into an enclosure orhousing. The housing or enclosure may include one or a multitude oflighting units. Further, a single lighting unit may be housed within twoor more housings or enclosures, with some components of lighting unit100 packaged within a first housing and other components housed within asecond housing, with electrical and/or mechanical connections betweenthe various components (including for example, the light sources, lightsource driver, controller, memory, power source, user interface, andsensor). The housing or enclosure may also include a heat managementsystem, such as a fan, heat sink, or other method to keep the lightingunits cool and prolong their life expectancy.

The lighting unit 100 may include one or more optical elements tooptically process the radiation generated by the light sources 102A,102B, 102C, and 102D. In some embodiments, the one or more opticalelements may modify the spatial distribution or propagation direction ofthe generated radiation. Examples of optical elements include, but arenot limited to, reflective materials, refractive materials, translucentmaterials, filters, lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics. The one or moreoptical elements may be completely or partially housed within orintegrated into an enclosure or housing.

In some embodiments, the lighting unit 100 includes a positional motorto orient lighting unit 100 or one or more of light sources 102A, 102B,102C, and 102D in a particular direction. The lighting unit 100 may alsoutilize sensor data from sensor 116 in order to properly orient thelight sources. For example, controller 108 can monitor sensor 116 anddetermine based on incoming optical signals that a wall or othervertical surface is present in the vicinity of the lighting unit 100.Controller 108 can respond to the presence of the wall or surface by,for example, selecting one or more pre-programmed control signals storedin memory, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory,otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one or more of the lightsources 102, or by moving lighting unit 100 or one or more of lightsources 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D into an orientation that addressesthe presence of the wall or surface, as discussed in greater detailbelow.

As another implementation, the lighting unit 100 may be movablyinstalled in place with a possible range of motion that allows a user tomanually manipulate the orientation of lighting unit 100 or one or moreof light sources 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D. In some embodiments,controller 108 can monitor its orientation and respond to movement by,for example, selecting one or more pre-programmed control signals storedin memory, selecting and executing a new lighting program from memory,or otherwise affecting the radiation generated by one or more of thelight sources 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a lighting fixture 200 in whichmultiple lighting units 100 are coupled together to form a networkedlighting system. According to several embodiments, the lighting fixture200 is configured a ceiling-mounted lighting panel and/or is integratedinto one or more ceiling tiles configured to be installed in a ceiling.Although the lighting fixture in FIG. 2 is depicted with six lightingunits, the number and configuration of these lighting units is forillustrative purposes only and thus many other variations are possible.

The lighting fixture 200 may include one or more lighting units 100A,1006, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F (collectively 100). The lighting unitscan be, for example, identical or similar to the lighting unitsdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 1, and thus one or more of the lightsources may be an LED-based light source that includes one or more LEDs.The lighting fixture 200 can provide functionality separate from and inaddition to the functionality provided by one or more of the individuallighting units 100A, 1006, 100C, 100D, 100E, and/or 100F, or thelighting fixture can be a master of all of functionality provided by thelighting units. According to the latter embodiment, the lighting fixture200 coordinates and controls various aspects of the functionality oflighting units, including but not limited to activation anddeactivation, positioning, and intensity, among others. Alternatively,the lighting fixture can be entirely passive, serving only as a housingor enclosure for the lighting unit(s) 100.

In some embodiments of the lighting fixture 200, one or more of thelight sources 102 included in the lighting units 100A, 1006, 100C, 100D,100E, and 100F may include a group multiple LEDs or other types of lightsources that are controlled together. Additionally, it should beappreciated that one or more of the light sources may include one ormore LEDs that are adapted to generate radiation having any of a varietyof wavelengths, including, but not limited to various visible colors,various color temperatures of white light, ultraviolet, or infrared.LEDs having a variety of spectral bandwidths may be employed in variousembodiments of the lighting unit.

In some embodiments of the lighting fixture 200, one or more of thelighting units 100A, 1006, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F and/or one or moreof the light sources 102 included in these lighting units is adjustable.For example, the orientation of the lighting unit, light source, and/oremitted light beam can be adjusted from an orientation more toward thevertical surface to an orientation more toward a horizontal surface, andvice versa. This can be accomplished by manual manipulation of alighting unit and/or light source, or can be accomplished by a centralcontroller 208. In some embodiments, the orientation of one or more ofthe emitted light beams can depend upon the positioning of the lightingfixture relative to the vertical surface. For example, a lightingfixture installed closer to a vertical surface will require light beamshaving angles different from light beams emitted from a lighting fixtureinstalled further away from the vertical surface. This information canbe obtained, for example, from the user via a user interface, or from asensor configured to receive information about the vertical surface,including the angle and position of the vertical surface relative to thelighting fixture 200. In some embodiments, the ratio of the numberlighting units emitting a light beam oriented toward the verticalsurface to the number of lighting units emitting a light beam orientedtoward the horizontal surface is adjustable. For example, the ratio maybe adjusted based on the positioning of the lighting fixture relative tothe vertical and/or horizontal surface.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 includes a centralcontroller 208 that is operably connected to one or more of the lightingunits and is configured or programmed to output one or more signals todrive these connected light sources and generate varying intensities oflight from the light sources. For example, central controller 208 may beprogrammed or configured to generate a control signal for each lightsource to independently control the intensity of light generated by eachlight source, to control groups of light sources, or to control alllight sources together. According to another aspect, the centralcontroller 208 may control other dedicated circuitry such as the lightsource driver 106 for each light source 100 which in turn controls thelight sources so as to vary their intensities. In this embodiment, thelighting units may or may not include a separate controller 108.

The central controller 208 can be or employ, for example, a centralmicroprocessor 210 programmed using software to perform variousfunctions discussed herein, and can be utilized in combination with amemory 212. The memory can store data, including one or more lightingcommands or software programs for execution by the microprocessor 210,as well as various types of data including but not limited to specificidentifiers for that lighting fixture, as well as for the variousconnected lighting units 100.

In some embodiments, the central controller 208 is coupled to andprovides commands to one or more of the individual controllers 108 oflighting units 100A, 1006, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F. The centralcontroller 208 is coupled to and provides commands to the individualcontrollers 108, which in turn are coupled to a light source driver 106for each lighting unit. The light source driver 106 powers light sources102 based on commands sent from the central controller 208. In this way,central controller 208 can control a network of lighting units and lightsources. For example, central controller 208 can provide controlcommands to the light source driver 106 of lighting unit 100A to powerthe light source 102 of lighting unit 100A at 25% light output. Thelight source driver 106 of lighting unit 100A can then adjust the powerprovided to the light source 102 of lighting unit 100A in order toachieve 25% light output. Simultaneously or at a different time, centralcontroller 208 can provide control commands to the light source driver106 of lighting unit 100F to power the light source 102 of lighting unit100F at 100% light output. The light source driver 106 of lighting unit100F can then adjust the power provided to the light source 102 oflighting unit 100F in order to achieve 100% light output.

In some embodiments, the central controller 208 operates as thecontroller for all lighting units 100. Central controller 208 is coupledto a light source driver 106 for each lighting unit, which powers thelight sources 102 of that lighting unit based on commands sent from thecentral controller 208. In this way, central controller 208 can controla network of lighting units and light sources.

The lighting fixture 200 can also include a central source of power 214,most typically AC power, although other power sources are possibleincluding DC power sources, solar-based power sources, ormechanical-based power sources, among others. The power source may be inoperable communication with a power source converter that converts powerreceived from an external power source to a form that is usable by thelighting unit.

The lighting fixture 200 can also include one or more sensors 216adapted to detect a wall or vertical surface within a certain proximityand direction, as discussed below. Accordingly, the sensor 216 can be avariety of different types of sensors, including optical sensors andambient light sensors. The lighting fixture 200 is coupled to sensor 216via a local connection and receives sensor values from the sensor 216.In some embodiments the sensor 216 may be mounted on the lightingfixture 200 or integrated with the lighting fixture 200. In someembodiments the connection between the sensor 216 and the lightingfixture 200 is a wired connection. In some embodiments the connectionbetween the sensor 216 and the lighting fixture 200 is a wirelessconnection. In some embodiments the sensor 216 is positioned so as toprovide sensor values that are relevant to the area illuminated bylighting fixture 200.

In some embodiments, the central controller 208 of the lighting fixture200 may provide lighting control commands based on input or datareceived from one or more sensors. For example, in some embodiments, thelighting fixture 200 may be coupled to an occupancy sensor, an ambientlight level sensor, and/or a timer or clock module.

The lighting fixture 200 can also include one or more user interfaces220 which allow a user to control a variety of lighting characteristics,including ON/OFF, color, intensity, angle, setting particularidentifiers for one or more of the connected lighting units, and manyother characteristics. Communication between the user interface and thelighting unit may be accomplished through wired or wirelesstransmission. Manual control may be effected by the user viaswitch/control inputs disposed on the lighting unit itself. For example,lighting fixture 200 may be configured to include simple dipswitches,electronic switch buttons, or touch inputs. Dipswitches and electronicswitch buttons can provide ON/OFF capabilities, or can also beconfigured to allow the user to adjust the intensity of the lightprovided by a single light source, a group of light sources, or alllight sources. Alternatively, a user-operated commissioning device withuser interaction means (e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or other portable orremote computing device) may be used to commission the lighting unit.For example, NFC (Near-Field Communication) is employed in oneembodiment of the invention to establish a communications channelbetween the lighting unit and the remote computing device.

The lighting fixture 200 may further include an internal or externalcommunication module 219. In some embodiments, communication module 219communicates with neighboring lighting fixtures to form a network inwhich the lighting fixtures can operate in tandem. The communicationmodule 219 can be any of a variety of wired or wireless formats,including a wired data bus, wireless RF communication, or light enabledcommunication such as coded visible or IR light, among other methods.Communication between adjacent lighting fixtures allows for cooperativeapplications. For example, communication module 219 may allow for thecoupling of multiple lighting fixtures together to form a networkedlighting system. Further applications are possible in which one or moreof the coupled lighting fixtures are addressable. According to thisembodiment, the controller 208 may be configured or programmed torespond to data that is specifically addressed to a particular lightingfixture 200 within the network of lighting fixtures.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a lighting fixture 200 with multiplelighting units 100A, 1008, 100C, and 100D. According to severalembodiments, the lighting fixture 200 is a ceiling-mounted lightingpanel and/or is integrated into a ceiling tile configured to beinstalled in a ceiling. Although the lighting system in FIG. 3 isdepicted with four lighting units, the number and configuration of theselighting fixtures is for illustrative purposes only and thus many othervariations are possible. In accordance with embodiments described above,lighting fixture 200 may further include an internal or externalcommunication module 219 that can be configured to communicate withneighboring lighting fixtures to form a network in which the lightingfixtures can operate in tandem. The communication module 219 can be anyof a variety of wired or wireless formats, including a wired data bus,wireless RF communication, or light enabled communication such as codedvisible or IR light, among other methods.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a lighting system 400 in which multiplelighting fixtures 200A, 200B, and 200C are coupled together to form anetworked lighting system. According to several embodiments, each oflighting fixtures 200A, 200B, and 200C are integrated into one or moreceiling tiles installed in a ceiling. For example, the lighting fixtures200A, 200B, and 200C may be integrated into one or more ceiling tilesinstalled in the ceiling next to a wall or vertical surface to allow forconfigurability. Although the lighting system in FIG. 4 is depicted withthree lighting fixtures, the number and configuration of these lightingfixtures is for illustrative purposes only and thus many othervariations are possible. The lighting system 400 may also include acommunications module 410 similar or identical to any of thecommunications modules disclosed herein. The lighting system 400 mayalso include a user interface 420 similar or identical to any of theuser interfaces disclosed herein.

The embodiments of lighting fixtures 200 in FIGS. 3 and 4 may includeone or more lighting units 100 which can be, for example, identical orsimilar to the lighting units described in conjunction with FIG. 1, andthus one or more of these light sources may be an LED-based light sourcethat includes one or more LEDs.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lighting fixture 200 in which there is arelationship between the location of light sources in the system, theintensity of light emitted by these light sources, and the direction ofthe light distribution. In some embodiments, in order to achieve bothwall-washing and downlighting effects, the orientation and intensity oflight sources within the lighting fixture 200 are variable. For example,to achieve approximately consistent wall-washing effects on wall 510,both the orientation and intensity of light sources within lightingfixture 200 are controlled and can be modified. It should be noted thatwall 510 can be any internal or external wall or vertical surface 510for which wall-washing effects are desired. A horizontal surface 610 canbe any floor, bottom surface, shelf, or other substantially horizontalsurface.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 is installed or connectedto ceiling or upper surface 520. The lighting fixture 200 can includeone or more lighting units 100, which can be coupled together to form anetworked lighting system. According to several embodiments, thelighting units 100 can be, for example, identical or similar to thelighting units described in conjunction with FIG. 2 or 3, and thus oneor more of the lighting units may include one or more LED-based lightsources 102 that include one or more LEDs.

In some embodiments of the lighting fixture 200, in order to createuniform wall-washing effects on wall 510, both the orientation andintensity of light sources within the lighting fixture 200 arecontrolled and can be modified. For example, the upper portion 560 ofwall 510 is illuminated by light (indicated by numeral 530) emitted fromlighting units 100 that are in close proximity to wall 510, such aslighting unit 100A, while the lower portion 580 of wall 510 isilluminated by light emitted from lighting units that are not in closeproximity to wall 510, such as lighting unit 100H. The middle orintermediate portion 570 of wall 510 is illuminated by light emittedfrom lighting units that are located centrally, such as lighting unit100D. Alternatively, the lighting units 100A, 100D, and 100H can belocated next to each other but simply oriented toward different portionsof the vertical surface. In some embodiments, the angle of light emittedby one or more of lighting unit 100 in the lighting fixture 200 can beadjusted. For example, the lighting units can be movable, or thelighting fixture can include movable light sources 102, among other waysof adjusting the angle of emitted light in the lighting fixture 200. Theangle of emitted light can be adjusted manually or automatically basedon user input or sensor data as described above.

In some embodiments of the lighting fixture 200, the low-intensity lightbeam emitted by lighting units close to the wall are emitted at a firstangle, the high-intensity light beam emitted by the lighting unitsremote from the wall are emitted at a third angle, and theintermediate-intensity light beam emitted by the lighting units locatedbetween the close and far lighting units are emitted at a second angle.To provide the desired wall-washing effects, the first angle is lessthan the second angle, and the second angle is less than the third angle(as shown in FIG. 5). The first angle is a function of the distancebetween the proximate lighting units and the wall, the second angle is afunction of the distance from the wall to the intermediate lightingunits, and the third angle is a function of the distance from the wallto the third lighting unit (as shown in FIG. 5).

The intensity or orientation of one or more light beams emitted from oneor more of the lighting units 100 within the lighting fixture 200 isadjustable, either individually or as a single network, as described ingreater detail above. In some embodiments, the light emitted fromlighting unit 100A located within close proximity to wall 510 is of lowintensity, since the light sources 102 within this lighting unit arelocated closer to wall 510. The light emitted from lighting unit 100Hlocated further from wall 510 is of higher intensity, since the lightsources 102 within this lighting unit are located farther from wall 510.The light emitted from lighting unit 100D can be between the intensityof light emitted by lighting units 100A and 100H, since the lightsources 102 within lighting unit 100D is central to the light emitted bylighting units 100A and 100H. In some embodiments, the other lightingunits 100 in lighting fixture 200 are directed substantially downward tocreate downlighting effects.

In some embodiments, the one or more lighting units 100 in lightingfixture 200, and/or the one or more light sources 102 within eachlighting unit can be controlled together or individually to create thedesired wall-washing or downlighting effects, as described in greaterdetail above. For example, this control can be performed manually orautomatically. As described herein, manual control may be effected bythe user via switch/control inputs disposed within lighting fixture 200.For example, the rear surface of a ceiling tile may be configured toinclude simple dipswitches, electronic switch buttons, or touch inputs.Dipswitches and electronic switch buttons can provide ON/OFFcapabilities. However, the electronic switch buttons and touch inputscan also be configured to allow the user to adjust the intensity of thelight provided by a specific lighting fixture 200, lighting unit 100and/or light source 102. In addition, markings may be provided on thetile to indicate which sides of the ceiling tiles are equipped withwall-washing capabilities. Alternatively, a user-operated commissioningdevice with user interaction means (e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or otherportable computing device) may be used to commission the tiles and toactivate the selected wall-washing sides of the various tiles. Forexample, NFC (Near-Field Communication) is employed in one embodiment ofthe invention to establish a communications channel between a smartphoneand a particular addressable ceiling tile, lighting fixture 200,lighting unit 100 and/or light source 102.

FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between location and the radiationintensity and distribution from a lighting fixture 200 in accordancewith an embodiment. The circular plot 600 represents the possiblelighting effects of an installed lighting fixture 200, with wall 510 andfloor 610. In some embodiments, at least some of the multiple lightsources in lighting fixture 200 are aimed downwards toward floor 610 atapproximately 270° to create downlighting effects, represented by lobe630 in FIG. 6. At least some of the remaining light sources in lightingfixture 200 are aimed toward wall 510 at between approximately 180° and270° to create wall-washing effects, represented by lobe 620 in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments, the intensity of light emitted from a lightingfixture 200 is variable to create desired wall-washing effects asdescribed in greater detail herein. The circular plot 600 in FIG. 6 alsorepresents the intensity of light emitted from lighting fixture 200. Forexample, the light sources in lighting fixture 200 aimed downwardstoward floor 610 at approximately 270° are directed or controlled toemit high intensity light in order to create bright downlightingeffects, as represented by lobe 630 in FIG. 6. For example, the lightsources in lighting fixture 200 aimed toward wall 510 at betweenapproximately 180° and 270° are directed or controlled to emit lowerintensity light in order to create softer wall-washing effects, asrepresented by lobe 630 in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments, if lighting fixture 200 in FIG. 6 was placed in acorner of a room, for example, some of the light sources in lightingfixture 200 could be aimed towards the second wall (not shown) borderingwall 510, which would produce a third lobe of emitted light (not shown)at between approximately 0° and 270° to create wall-washing effects onthe second wall as well.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of producingdesired wall-washing effects based on user input and/or sensor data inaccordance with an embodiment. Other implementations may perform thesteps in a different order, omit certain steps, and/or perform differentand/or additional steps than those illustrated in FIG. 7. Forconvenience, aspects of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to oneor more components of a lighting system that may perform the method. Thecomponents may include, for example, one or more of the components oflighting units 100 of FIG. 1, lighting fixtures 200 of FIGS. 2 and 3,and/or lighting fixtures and system of FIGS. 4 and 5. The lighting units100 may include, for example, light sources 102, a controller 108,and/or similar components of lighting unit 100. Accordingly, forconvenience, aspects of FIGS. 1-5 will be described in conjunction withFIG. 7.

In step 700, a lighting fixture 200 is provided that includes one ormore lighting units 100, which in turn include one or more light sources102. The lighting fixture 200 can be any of the embodiments describedherein or otherwise envisioned. According to several embodiments,lighting fixture 200 is integrated into a ceiling tile installed in aceiling. For example, the lighting fixture 200 may be integrated into aceiling tile installed in the ceiling next to a wall to allow forconfigurability. The embodiments of lighting fixture 200 in FIG. 7 mayinclude one or more lighting units 100 which can be, for example,identical or similar to the lighting units described in conjunction withFIG. 1, and thus one or more of the light sources 102 of the one or morelighting units 100 may be an LED-based light source that includes one ormore LEDs.

In step 710, the lighting fixture 200 receives information indicatingthe presence and/or positioning of a wall in the proximity of thelighting fixture. In some embodiments, a sensor determines an ambientlight level in the location of the installed lighting fixture 200 inorder to inform the lighting system of the presence or absence of awall. For example, the lighting fixture 200 can include one or moresensors to detect a wall within a certain proximity and direction.Accordingly, the sensor can be a variety of different types of sensors,including optical sensors and ambient light sensors. Lighting fixture200 is preferably coupled to the sensor via a local connection andreceives sensor values from the sensor. In some embodiments the sensormay be mounted on the lighting fixture 200 or integrated with thelighting fixture 200. In some embodiments the connection between thesensor and the lighting fixture 200 is a wired connection. In someembodiments the connection between the sensor and the lighting fixture200 is a wireless connection. In some embodiments the sensor ispositioned so as to provide sensor values that are relevant to the areailluminated by lighting fixture 200.

In some embodiments the lighting fixture 200 is configured to detect thepresence of a wall at various sides or angles using, for example,distance sensors (e.g., ultrasound based sensor) that detect thepresence of, and optionally the distance to, a wall. From the detectedvalues the central controller 208 of lighting fixture 200 determineswhich side or sides of the lighting fixture the wall is situated. Asecond set of measurements can be performed to detect the height of thewall which is then used to determine the activation and requiredbrightness of the corresponding light sources 102. The centralcontroller 208 of lighting fixture 200 then creates a default beampattern. This default pattern can be adjusted manually or automatically.In some embodiments, differences in wall reflectance can facilitate thedetermination of the resulting wall luminance when illuminated by alight source. For example, these differences could require tuning theintensity and/or angle of radiation emitted by the light source in thedirection of the wall. Options to control the intensity of the and/orangle of radiation emitted by the light source include tuning by theuser, controlling the light output distribution produced by the lightsource; and/or using a wireless sensor that sends out measured lightreflected off the wall to the central controller 208 regulating thelighting fixture 200 to achieve a target set-point value. In someembodiments, the sensor is positioned to measure light reflected off thewall at the level of an individual's eye when sitting down.

In some embodiments the installed lighting fixture 200 includes one ormore user interfaces which allow a user to control a variety of lightingcharacteristics, including ON/OFF, color, intensity, angle, settingparticular identifiers for the lighting unit, and many othercharacteristics, and allow the user to inform the lighting fixture 200of the existence or absence of a wall. Communication between the userinterface and the lighting unit may be accomplished through wired orwireless transmission. Manual control may be effected by the user viaswitch/control inputs disposed on the lighting unit itself.Alternatively, a user-operated commissioning device with userinteraction means (e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or other portable orremote computing device) may be used to commission the lighting unit.

In step 720, the intensity of the one or more of the plurality oflighting units 100 in lighting fixture 200 is adjusted based on thereceived information about the presence of a wall near the lightingfixture. For example, the intensity of light emitted from one or more ofthe lighting units 100 within lighting fixture 200 is adjustable, eitherindividually or as a single network, as described in greater detailabove. In some embodiments, the light emitted from one or more lightingunits located within close proximity to the wall is adjusted to be oflow intensity, since the light sources 102 within these lighting unitsare located closer to the wall. The light emitted from the one or moreof the lighting units located further from the wall is of higherintensity, since the light sources 102 within these lighting units arelocated farther from the wall. In some embodiments, the lighting fixture200, the one or more lighting units 100 in lighting fixture 200, and/orthe one or more light sources 102 within the one or more lighting unitscan be controlled together or individually to create the desiredwall-washing or downlighting effects, as described in greater detailabove.

In step 730, an angle of illumination of one or more of the plurality oflighting units is adjusted based on the presence or position of a wallnear the lighting fixture. In some embodiments of lighting fixture 200,in order to create uniform wall-washing effects on the nearby wall theorientation of light sources within lighting fixture 200 are controlledand can be modified. For example, the upper portion of the nearby wallis illuminated by light emitted from lighting units 100 that are inclose proximity to the wall, while the lower portion of the wall isilluminated by light emitted from lighting units that are not in closeproximity to the wall. The middle portion of the wall is illuminated bylight emitted from lighting units that are located centrally.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the angle of light emitted by one ormore of lighting units in lighting fixture 200 can be adjusted. Forexample, the lighting fixture itself can be movable, the lightingfixture can include movable lighting units 100, or the lighting fixturecan include movable light sources 102, among other ways of adjusting theangle of emitted light in lighting fixture 200. The angle of emittedlight can be adjusted manually or automatically based on user input orsensor data as described above.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

Reference numerals appearing between parentheses in the claims, if any,are provided merely for convenience and should not be construed aslimiting the claims in any way.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

1. A lighting fixture located in close proximity to a vertical surface,the lighting fixture comprising: a plurality of lighting units,comprising: at least one first lighting unit comprising a firstplurality of LED-based light sources configured to emit a low-intensitylight beam oriented toward a first portion of the vertical surface; atleast one second lighting unit comprising a second plurality ofLED-based light sources configured to emit a high-intensity light beamoriented toward a second portion of the vertical surface; at least onethird lighting unit comprising a third plurality of LED-based lightsources configured to emit a light beam oriented toward a horizontalsurface; and a controller operably connected to plurality of lightingunits, wherein said controller is configured to control the intensity oflight emitted from said first, second, and third plurality of lightsources.
 2. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said lightingfixture is a lighting panel configured to be mounted on a ceiling or tobe integrated within a ceiling tile.
 3. The lighting fixture of claim 1,further comprising at least one fourth lighting unit comprising a fourthplurality of light sources configured to emit an intermediate-intensitylight beam oriented toward a third portion of the vertical surface,wherein the first portion is an upper portion of the vertical surface,the second portion is a lower portion of the vertical surface, and thethird portion is an intermediate portion of the vertical surface.
 4. Thelighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the orientation of each of thelight beams is adjustable.
 5. The lighting fixture of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor configured to obtain data about said verticalsurface, wherein said controller is further configured to control theintensity or orientation of light emitted from one or more of saidfirst, second, and third plurality of light sources based at least inpart on said obtained data.
 6. The lighting fixture of claim 1, whereinthe number of third lighting units configured to emit a light beamoriented toward the horizontal surface, and the number of first andsecond lighting units configured to emit a light beam oriented towardthe vertical surface within the plurality of lighting units, isadjustable based on positioning of the lighting fixture relative to thevertical surface.
 7. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein a ratio ofthe number of third lighting units configured to emit a light beamoriented toward the horizontal surface and the number of first andsecond lighting units configured to emit a light beam oriented towardthe vertical surface is adjustable based on positioning of the lightingfixture relative to the vertical surface.
 8. The lighting fixture ofclaim 7, further comprising a sensor configured to obtain data aboutsaid vertical surface, wherein said controller is configured to controlsaid ratio based at least in part on said obtained data.
 9. Aceiling-mounted lighting fixture comprising: a plurality of lightingunits each comprising a plurality of LED-based light sources, wherein afirst subset of said plurality of lighting units are configured to emita light beam oriented toward a vertical surface, and wherein a secondsubset of said plurality of lighting units are configured to emit alight beam oriented toward a horizontal surface, and further wherein atleast some of said plurality lighting units are configured to beadjustable to emit a light beam oriented toward either said verticalsurface or said horizontal surface; and a controller operably connectedto said plurality of lighting units and configured to control theintensity of light emitted from said LED-based light sources, andfurther configured to control the orientation of the light beam emittedby each of said adjustable lighting units.
 10. The ceiling-mountedlighting fixture of claim 9, wherein the orientation of the light beamemitted by each of said adjustable lighting units is based at least inpart on positioning of the lighting fixture relative to the verticalsurface.
 11. The ceiling-mounted lighting fixture of claim 9, furthercomprising a sensor configured to obtain data about said verticalsurface, wherein the orientation of the light beam emitted by each ofsaid adjustable lighting units is adjusted based at least in part onsaid obtained data.
 12. The ceiling-mounted lighting fixture of claim 9,wherein the orientation of the light beam emitted by each of saidadjustable lighting units is adjusted based at least in part on inputreceived from a user.
 13. (canceled)
 14. A lighting fixture located inclose proximity to a vertical surface, the lighting fixture comprising:a plurality of lighting units each comprising a plurality of lightsources configured to emit a light beam having an adjustableorientation, wherein a first subset of the plurality of lighting unitsare configured to emit a light beam oriented toward an upper portion ofthe vertical surface, a second subset of the plurality of lighting unitsare configured to emit a light beam oriented toward an intermediateportion of the vertical surface, a third subset of the plurality oflighting units are configured to emit a light beam oriented toward alower portion of the vertical surface, and a fourth subset of theplurality of lighting units are configured to emit a light beam orientedtoward a horizontal surface; and a controller operably connected to saidplurality of lighting units, wherein said controller is configured tocontrol the intensity of light emitted from said plurality of lightsources, and wherein said controller is further configured to controlthe orientation of each of said plurality of light sources.
 15. Thelighting fixture of claim 14, wherein the orientation of the light beamemitted by one or more of said plurality of lighting units is based atleast in part on positioning of the lighting fixture relative to thevertical surface.
 16. The lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein thenumber of lighting units within said first subset, second subset, thirdsubset, and fourth subset is adjusted based on positioning of thelighting fixture relative to the vertical surface.
 17. The lightingfixture of claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to obtaindata about said vertical surface, wherein the orientation of the lightbeam emitted by one or more of said plurality of lighting units is basedat least in part on said obtained data.
 18. The lighting fixture ofclaim 14, further comprising a user interface configured to receiveinput from a user, wherein the orientation of the light beam emitted byone or more of said plurality of lighting units is based at least inpart on said received input.
 19. A method for providing wall-washinglighting effects, the method comprising the steps of: providing alighting fixture comprising: (i) a plurality of lighting units eachcomprising a plurality of LED-based light sources, wherein a firstsubset of said plurality of lighting units are configured to emit alight beam oriented toward a vertical surface, and wherein a secondsubset of said plurality of lighting units are configured to emit alight beam oriented toward a horizontal surface, and further wherein atleast some of said plurality lighting units are configured to beadjustable to emit a light beam oriented toward either said verticalsurface or said horizontal surface; and (ii) a controllers operablyconnected to said plurality of lighting units and configured to controlthe orientation of the light beam emitted by each of said adjustablelighting units based at least in part on a position of the lightingfixture relative to the vertical surface; receiving informationindicating the position of the lighting fixture relative to the verticalsurface; and adjusting the orientation or intensity of the light beamemitted by one or more of said adjustable lighting units based on saidreceived information.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The method of claim 19, whereinsaid information is received from a user.
 22. The method of claim 19,wherein said information is received from an ambient light level sensorconfigured to obtain ambient light level data.